Top Dem Recruit Tells Donors He Will Challenge Chabot

Aftab Pureval is the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts.

Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Aftab Pureval (D) has asked donors to support him “if he runs for” Rep. Steve Chabot’s (R) “seat in November and told them he intends to jump in the race. ‘I think it’s happening,’ said a person familiar with the calls Pureval has made who spoke on the condition of anonymity. A Pureval spokeswoman declined to comment. … Pureval is a first-tier candidate for the” DCCC. But he’ll “also will have to beat two Democrats in the primary:” Rabbi Robert Barr (D) and 2016 candidate Michele Young (D).

“Pureval has served 12 months as clerk of courts, his first elected office, overhauling its website, expanding hours, adding services like a legal help center and cutting spending. The 35-year-old is considered to be polished, ambitious and charismatic. Pureval has never been a legislator, so he has no voting record for Chabot and Republican opposition researchers to pick apart. Moreover, Pureval has developed the habits of a successful politician. He’s a successful fundraiser and attends many public events, often after hours, that have nothing to do with his official duties; for example, attending the swearing-in of Cincinnati Public Schools board members on a recent weekday evening. (Cincinnati Business Courier)